Bill Text: MI HR0076 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled

Michigan House Resolution 76 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: A resolution to declare May 2017 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-05-02 - Adopted [HR0076 Detail]

Download: Michigan-2017-HR0076-Enrolled.html

Substitute for House Resolution No. 76.

A resolution to declare May 2017 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The month of May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month by Mental Health for America and its affiliates since 1949; and

Whereas, Tens of thousands of Michigan citizens are afflicted with a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder at any given moment. Services under the mental health code include assistance for conditions such as anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and depression, as well as for addictive behaviors; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan who are living with a mental health illness or addiction continue to require support and professional assistance in order to improve their quality of living and return to an independent, healthy, and fulfilling life; and

Whereas, In any given year, 336,000 adults in Michigan will have a serious mental illness and 56% of these adults will receive no treatment for their illness; and

Whereas, Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age. In our state, 84,000 adolescents will experience a major depressive episode a year, 56% of whom will receive no treatment for their illness; and

Whereas, 526,000 adults will experience heavy alcohol abuse in any given month and 205,000 individuals, from the ages of 12 or older, will experience an illicit drug dependence a year; and

Whereas, Ninety-one percent of the adults with heavy alcohol abuse and 81% of individuals with an illicit drug dependence will forgo treatment for their addiction; and

Whereas, Ignoring the illnesses of our fellow citizens will only further stigmatize those who suffer from a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Leaving those members behind will only harm our community; and

Whereas, Michigan and the United States need to continue to reduce the stigmatization of mental illness and lend our support to those who are living with mental health disorders and addictions so they can seek professional assistance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2017 Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.